Box Score
GAMBIER, Ohio – Wednesday night's meeting between Denison University and the Kenyon College men's basketball team had all the makings for a classic rivalry game including atmosphere, playoff implications, big runs, and pivotal turning points. After erasing a 12-point deficit, the Lords appeared to be heading toward a thrilling come-from-behind victory, but the Big Red had other plans after stalling the Lords' offense and ending the game on a 21-8 run. Denison defeated Kenyon, 75-68, to split the season series and match their conference record of seven wins and eight losses.
After taking a 10-point lead into the locker room, Denison (11-11, 7-8 NCAC) opened the second half with the opening bucket to extend its advantage to 12, matching their largest of the game. The Big Red slowly watched that lead dwindle into a one-possession game over the next six minutes of game time.
Jonathan Amador came out and hit back-to-back three-pointers, one banking in off of the glass from the left wing. The Lords (11-11, 7-8 NCAC) and Big Red jostled over the next few possessions before Ikenna Nwadibia took over and scored three straight buckets, all by fighting through intense pressure on the interior of Denison's defense. With the lead down to just two points, 42-40, the Lords went blow for blow with their rivals while the crowd added extra pressure to the visiting Big Red with its volume rising steadily.
Cooper Handlesman helped cut the lead to a single point after hitting a pair of free throws following a foul. Nwadibia then gave Kenyon its first lead of the game by creating a turnover and taking it the other way for a hard drive to the basket.
Kenyon's lead grew to a game-high six points after Brian Lebowitz scored seven straight points on hard-fought baskets at the rim. Nwadibia complemented that effort by going coast to coast after bringing down one of his eight rebounds on the night.
The Lords' fortunes did an about-face following that possession. Kenyon came up empty on its next five trips up the court, allowing the Big Red to get back into the game. Denison made sure to capitalize on the opportunity awarded to them. Briggs King, who hit just nine three-point shots all season long, hit three attempts in a row within two minutes, quickly evaporating the Kenyon lead and turning it into a seven-point shortage. In just over three minutes, Denison took over and rode out the lead to the very end.
Each team had three players finish in double figures scoring. Nwadibia led the Lords with 18 points and added eight rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Brian Lebowitz recorded his seventh double-double of the season behind 16 points and 13 rebounds while also compiling a block and two steals. Julian Pavlin rounded out Kenyon's top scorers with 12 points.
Denison's David Meuer and Alex Longi each led the Big Red with 18 points while Brad Woolard chipped in 14 points. All of King's points came in that outburst of three-point shooting, finishing with nine and 10 rebounds, as well.
The Lords have three games remaining in the regular season, with their next two coming on the road. They will head to DePauw University this Saturday, Feb. 15, for the first of two straight meetings with a Tiger team. They will follow a week from today with a road game against nationally-ranked Wittenberg University.
